Saturday, February 02, 2013

3 Ways to Blog for Impact

Writing unhindered! Oh yes!

This week while we've been in the Berkshires, and even while in travel, I've enjoyed writing. It's been so nice to do my favorite thing (aside from family) without distractions. Usually I have to fit writing around the rest of my work life. If I don't get up early or stay up late, it wouldn't happen. It's been amazing to have a week where I didn't have to fight to do it.

One day I have a dream of taking a writing trip. This would be something I'd do by myself, otherwise I wouldn't end up writing. It would turn into something else no matter how well intentioned or valuable. (There is great value in marriage or family activities.)

So yesterday was a one month celebration for me, of my new blog, Adoptee Restoration. In just 31 days it exceeded all the dreams I had for the beginning. I am so grateful to everyone who has read there, and been part of the conversation.

I've been blogging here for almost 7 years, most of the time, daily. Today makes 2,730 posts, here. What a journey it's been, and I will continue to write here about transparently leading and relating from a faith perspective, dividing my time with the new blog. Things have gone well here for these past years and in fact, I've been asked by many for advice on the ins and outs of blogging. I've written articles about it and taught a class or two. Just yesterday I had a friend ask me about blogging and how to get the hang of it. I'd suggest reading this article by me, and also get advice at Blogging With Amy, as well as from Jeff Goins. I've learned a tremendous amount from those two people/sites.

Today as I end this post I want to share 3 things you can't afford to miss in having a blog that works.

Be real.

People don't just want to know what you're great at. They want to know what you fail at too. If you're not living in reality nobody really wants to read what you're saying.

Hone your craft.

Keep learning about writing. Resist sloppiness and taking the easy route when you blog. I can tell a lazy blogger right away just by the way their posts are structured.

The way I improve is through reading, and talking with other writers. I read something designed to help me improve as a writer at least once a day, and I ask bloggers tons of questions. I don't view other writers as competition, but as allies. I welcome them to teach me something, to show me how to write it better. I hope I can do the same for them in some way. If I'm going to get better I can't be afraid of criticism. There are two or three people who are my "go to" people who will look at a piece I'm working on, review it and then hold nothing back in critiquing it. They will return it to me absolutely edited to bits. That's the kind of feedback I need to go to a new level.

Welcome comments.

Most bloggers would say they welcome comments, but for many this means only the ones they agree with. First, if you don't welcome comments you basically have a journal or a diary, not a blog. One ingredient of a great blog is the conversation that takes place in the comments. With Adoptee Restoration the thing that's most exciting to me isn't really what I say -- it's what all the commenters say in the thread afterwards. Sometimes it's much more insightful than the initial post. I learn a lot!

I've always welcomed comments here at deannashrodes.net. I don't get as many here although Facebook comments where it rolls over there have always been a lot more plentiful. I also believe the other blog lends itself to more comments because it's much more defined in it's target audience.